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Out Of This World Educator Awards
Do you know someone in your community who has dedicated their life to educating others?
Great teachers inspire learners of all ages — from students to adults. Honoring educators in the Carolinas who have made an impact in either a traditional or non-traditional learning environment.
Read about our 2024 winners below!
Who Qualifies?
Anyone in the Carolinas who has made a difference in the lives of learners is eligible. From inspirational teachers in traditional classroom settings to volunteers teaching adults job skills and everything in between.
- Teachers and Professors
- Administrators and Directors
- Instructional Assistants
- Mentors and Tutors
- Counselors
- Facilitators
- Coaches
Meet the 2024 Winners
School Counselor
Mauldin Middle SchoolNominated By
Sundra Proctor‑Smith & Trinity Franklin“Her unwavering support and genuine care helped me break out of my shell and discover my own potential. With her insightful guidance and encouragement, she provided me with the tools and confidence to overcome my fears and embrace new challenges.”
Renee Brown, counselor at Mauldin Middle School, dedicates her time and care to students as the On-Track Coordinator and Career Development Facilitator. In addition to those roles, she created the BLUSH Female Mentoring Program, which has positively impacted more than 100 young women.
Director of Strategy & Development
Alliance for ChildrenNominated By
Chelsea Belyea“Trinisha Dean is a true advocate of early childhood education and teachers in North Carolina. She is a role model and mentor to anyone in the field.”
Trinisha Dean works tirelessly to bring resources and tools to early childhood education and to recognize and further advance early childhood educators.
STEM Teacher
Brevard AcademyNominated By
Joshua Nelson“Mr. Dennis is a wonderful educator who puts everything into bringing hands-on learning to every classroom at Brevard Academy.”
Derek Dennis uses a hands-on approach to teaching STEM that relates to kindergarten students all the way through 8th grade. His experience with The Science House at North Carolina State University helps assist teachers and students with using the latest STEM technologies, bringing creativity and excitement to his classroom.
Founder & Lead Teacher
Infinite Minds AcademyNominated By
Debra Gibson, Dennis Saunders, Lynn Varner, Gina Pritchett, Russchanna McLeod, Jon Garner, Crystal Mullinix & Cristina Chrisco“She is the neurodivergent genius behind Infinite Minds Academy. Nothing says out of this world love and grace like building your own school to serve children in a way no one else can.”
Destiny Garner created Infinite Minds Academy when she realized that her two Autistic sons needed specialized education. She took her Exceptional Children education background to make sure all were being served.
8th Grade ELA Teacher
Long Middle SchoolNominated By
Chevaneeze Howell“LaTonya believes that every child deserves an opportunity to succeed and tailors her teaching methods to meet the diverse needs of her students. Her classrooms are vibrant spaces where students feel valued, understood, and motivated to learn.”
LaTonya’s approach to teaching is characterized by a unique blend of compassion, creativity, and dedication. She makes education engaging and relevant through hands-on experiences and technology integration.
Animal Science/Agriculture Teacher
Purnell Swett High SchoolNominated By
Nina Southern“Taleek’s genuine care for his students is palpable. By fostering a supportive and inclusive atmosphere, he empowers them to believe in their potential.”
Taleek fosters a classroom environment that is intellectually stimulating and emotionally supportive. He encourages his students to live the FFA motto of “Living to serve” and to grow and learn every day, providing opportunities for that through excursions, experiential, learning and mentorship.
2nd Grade Teacher
Williams Township SchoolNominated By
Deanna Worley“Mrs. Lanier is one of those once-in-a lifetime teachers. I am a rising 9th grader in high school, and her influence on my life in 2nd grade is still powerful, even now.”
Phyllis demands the best of her students while allowing them to believe that they can do their best each and every day. She reminds her students that they are strong, smart, and capable and that she believes in them. She is proof that one person can touch hundreds of lives.
McKinney‑Vento Liaison
Public Schools of Robeson CountyNominated By
Tomeika Munn“Shaneitha Lee Nance has a big heart and passion for the homeless population in the public school system. She cares for each child like [they are] her own.”
With a poverty rate of 27.3% in Robeson County, affordable housing is one of the community’s biggest struggles. Since taking on her position, Shaneitha has worked toward maximizing efforts to identify and serve all homeless students in the school district and region, securing housing, educating teachers and social workers, and coordinating with community partners.
Exceptional Children Teacher
Harnett Central High SchoolNominated By
Ava Moldonado“Lori Perry is an amazing person and a miracle worker in her classroom. I am only scratching the surface of how she impacts her class, Harnett Central High, and the community daily. There is so much more that she does. Lori gives of her time, talents, and funds to make her class’s experience the best it can be during their high school years.”
Lori is committed to her students and seeing that they interact and feel like a part of the rest of the school. This includes Valentine dances, Special Olympics, fire tech/safety classes, and art projects, all while carrying a full Individualized Educational Plan caseload.
Education Consultant I/Student Transition
NC Department of Juvenile Justice Education ServicesNominated By
Winifred Tate“If you are seeking an exceptional educator, compassionate counselor, articulate administrator, and ardent advocate for our children, Dr. Williams is your candidate.”
With more than 30 years of serving adjudicated, infirmed, or at-risk youth, Dr. Williams is committed to student engagement, community and services placement, and physical and emotional well-being.
Meet Our Previous Winners
Carpentry Instructor
Mountain Heritage High SchoolNominated By
John Anglin“As a result of Mr. Dotts’ hard work to expose and involve students in many types of construction projects and his high expectations of them, they are highly sought-after employees at local construction companies.”
The Career and Technical Education (CTE) staff at Mountain Heritage High School teaches students today’s most in‑demand trade skills. Since joining CTE, Jeremy Dotts has revolutionized the program and empowered hundreds of students to pursue successful careers in the construction industry.
Mr. Dotts structures his classes as highly hands‑on, organizing students into construction crew teams to apply what they’re learning in class, think creatively to troubleshoot real‑world problems, adapt to meet the demands of a project, manage time, and work as a team. Each year, employers proactively recruit his students since their skills often exceed those of graduates from many collegiate construction programs.
Principal
School of Hope for Children with AutismNominated By
Ashlee Russell“Amy’s passion for helping others is contagious. She is full of energy and has devoted her life to making a positive impact through education.”
Amy Sparks has given 35+ years of her life to serving children through education, 30 of which she spent in public schools. In the past six years, she has helped open a specialized school for children with Autism: The School of Hope in Fayetteville, North Carolina.
The School of Hope enables children with Autism to learn in smaller environments with research-based methods, receive one‑on‑one support from specialists who visit the school, and participate in extracurricular activities such as learning piano and performing in recitals.
In addition to serving as the school’s principal, Ms. Sparks also started the Jarred Bryan Sparks Foundation to help families in the community affected by Autism. Through this nonprofit, she has organized clinics to educate families on their legal rights, orchestrated festivals and events, and coordinated fundraising toward opening The School of Hope.
Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps Army Instructor
Cleveland High SchoolNominated By
Oller Harris“Andre knows there are no problem students, just students with problems.”
Andre Harris sees the potential in every student who enters the Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps at Cleveland High School in Bunnlevel, North Carolina. While many of his students have lacked a role model in their lives, Mr. Harris sets a strong example as both a teacher and leader.
For years, Mr. Harris has been investing his time, energy, and talents to equip students for the real world. His lessons include practical life skills like money management, public speaking, social etiquette, dressing appropriately for business, and how to treat everyone with respect. Thanks to his dogged encouragement, he has motivated countless students to go to trade school, college, or the military, many of whom have returned to thank him for his support.
Social Studies Teacher
Richmond Early College High SchoolNominated By
Joy Harrelson“Ms. Brayboy is a model of excellence and a fierce, devoted teacher who is eager about the learning, growth, mental and emotional health, and wellbeing of every student.”
Shannon Brayboy’s drive, compassion, and positivity inspire her students and fellow teachers, shaping the entire culture of Richmond Early College High School. She is passionate about teaching American history, civics, and personal finance; and is known for finding creative ways to present content that make students hungry to learn more.
Outside of her classroom, Ms. Brayboy founded the REaCH Native American Student Association. The club welcomes both Native American students who want to stay in touch with their heritage as well as those who are interested in learning about the culture. Recently, Ms. Brayboy created a REaCH News Team that enables students to gain experience as anchors, field reporters, technical directors, editors, and publishers of news programming.
Grade Splash Teacher
Eastfield Global Magnet SchoolNominated By
Margarita Ramirez“Vivian is an outstanding educator who is intentional and personal with our students, which creates a deeper rapport not only with them but also with the parents.”
As a grade splash teacher at Eastfield Global Magnet School in Marion, North Carolina, Vivian Alarcon is the definition of an educator who goes above and beyond to impact students. She regularly volunteers after school at Centro Unido Latino Americano (CULA), a nonprofit focused on bridging barrier gaps, language accessibility, food security, and accessible health care.
At CULA, she teaches kids the importance of self‑care and how to identify emotions to help promote overall well‑being. Parents, colleagues, and students are perpetually impressed by her energy, determination, dedication, and vision. Always one to go the extra mile, Ms. Alarcon even gives students rides home after CULA so that transportation is never a barrier to participation.
1st Grade Teacher
Summersill ElementaryNominated By
Raelene Daley“Her passion and dedication for what she does, and her love for her students, shine through every day. There is no doubt of the lasting impact she is having on her students and their families.”
Last year, an administrator observed Hannah Sugg teaching a new math curriculum and was so impressed, she recommended Ms. Sugg model the lesson for other educators. This is just one example of Ms. Sugg’s passion for providing excellent academic instruction that meets the needs of every student in her class.
In addition to making learning fun and engaging, Ms. Sugg cares equally as much about meeting students’ social and emotional needs. She creates a culture of compassion and acceptance in her classroom with “kindness rules” for her students, and reinforces them with daily affirmations, reflections as a class, and collaborative and altruistic projects. Throughout the year, the class also completes kindness quests, such as creating cards or small crafts for staff members with words of encouragement.
Spanish Teacher
Southern Wayne High SchoolNominated By
June Reynolds“Ms. Darden is definitely a true role model for a teacher who enjoys her job, is passionate about seeing students learn and succeed, and is committed to making her community a better place!”
Despite having taught enough years to qualify for retirement, Joni Darden’s passion for teaching Spanish keeps her coming back to Southern Wayne High School every year. It’s common for Ms. Darden to bump into former students around town, and they’re always eager to reminisce with their favorite teacher who still knows them by their Spanish class name.
Ms. Darden’s current students come to her for help with other classes, enrolling in programs, or just life advice. Outside of her classroom, she volunteers with local organizations like the Restorative Justice Program, where she uses her translation services to help prevent teenagers from entering the criminal justice system.
Assistant Superintendent of Educational Programs & Services
Pitt County SchoolsNominated By
Carol Rankin“Dr. Lassiter is able to spot a good leader and mentor them to a higher level. He is able to tap into the hidden potential of others.”
Dr. Steve Lassiter’s commitment to students and servant‑leader style have helped him climb the education ranks, starting as a teacher, being promoted to principal, and ultimately earning a doctorate degree to become the assistant superintendent of educational programs and services for Pitt County Schools.
Leading from the heart, he has successfully mentored countless principals and teachers in finding new ways to engage and educate public school students. He is a strong believer that school districts should support all students by meeting them where they are, and he motivates staff members to be positive role models for students. Always one to focus on his students’ best interests and a strong advocate for staff at all levels, Dr. Lassiter lifts up everyone in his orbit to realize their full potential.
Tutor/Curriculum Coordinator
Billingsville Cotswold Elementary SchoolNominated By
Betty Dial“I have seen amazing results from her talents as an educator and mother. She has been a great asset to the community.”
Tamara Dial sparks a love of learning everywhere she goes. For more than two decades, she has taught at public schools and, outside of her classroom, she tutors and mentors students and generously volunteers her time year‑round to improve educational opportunities in her community.
This past summer, Ms. Dial worked as a curriculum coordinator for the Clara H. Jones Summer Institute, where she designed and implemented a new career readiness track to expose diverse students from varying socio‑economic backgrounds to career opportunities, including advanced aeronautics, emergency management, and wastewater treatment. Her tenacity and passion for education have inspired many of her students to become first‑generation college graduates and pursue teaching careers.
Lead Automotive Instructor
Beaufort County Community CollegeNominated By
Cathy Van Gyzen“Bryan has a heart of gold and goes above and beyond for his students in his free time.”
Bryan Van Gyzen is starting his 16th year at Beaufort County Community College as the Lead Automotive Instructor. He has been known to use his own money to help students purchase replacements for broken car parts, tires, or wipers when they can’t fit the expense into their budget.
In his free time, Mr. Van Gyzen makes himself available to his students via phone and email. He’s always willing to help students work through problems, assist with their homework, or find ways to overcome an issue they are facing. To provide the best possible education, Mr. Van Gyzen perpetually finds ways to enrich his classroom and workshop with hands‑on learning materials so his students gain the skills they need to land new career opportunities.
Chief of Firefighter Training
McDowell H.S. Emergency Services AcademyNominated By
A Family Member“If you ask Charles about his tenure as a teacher, he will not tell you about his numerous professional accolades, or that his class is often used as a model of fire training for other districts. Instead, he will tell you of his students’ success.”
After four years of active‑duty service in the Army, Charles Autrey became a middle school science and social studies teacher in 1999, while volunteering as a firefighter and first responder on the side.
In 2014, Mr. Autrey combined his love for teaching with his skill set as a firefighter instructor, opening McDowell County High School’s Fire Academy and serving as its Chief. Since then, he has worked tirelessly to provide his students with the knowledge and technical skills needed to graduate high school as career‑ready firefighters. His students have competed in the Skills USA National Level Firefighter Competition and have successfully gone on to firefighting careers in major cities.
Mr. Autrey’s tireless dedication also extends into his volunteer work with McDowell County’s Teen Court Program, summer training programs and Inferno Fire Camps for students, and serving as the Chief of Salem Volunteer Fire Department. His tireless dedication to his students and community have made him a role model to countless children.
Teacher
RJ Reynolds High SchoolNominated By
A School Volunteer“I love working with Mr. Boyd because I can see how much he cares for his students and the school.”
Phillip Boyd is the type of teacher who really gets to know his students, fostering a classroom atmosphere that is equal parts welcoming and educational. For years, students have benefited from his relentless passion, creative ideas, and drive to help them excel. He is regarded as not just a teacher, but a mentor and active community member.
As a Title 1 school, RJ Reynolds High has many students who are food insecure. Mr. Boyd’s idea for improving supplies distribution increased the amount of food families received by approximately 40%, ensuring fewer students would report to school each day feeling hungry and distracted. Additionally, he helped arrange for the school pantry to provide toiletries to students in need.
“Tisha Carnes is the change we want to see in this world, and I’m so grateful to get to work with her in our school.”
From early arrival to late dismissal, coaching cheerleading to school leadership meetings, community outreach to leading an afterschool tutoring program for her school’s underserved population, Tisha Carnes does it all. For the past 17 years, Ms. Carnes has dedicated her life to caring for students and creating a classroom where they can find their voice, purpose, and value.
As a Team Lead, Department Chair, and Beginning Teacher Mentor, Ms. Carnes leads by example, setting a positive role model for leadership, communication, and confidence. At faculty meetings, she proudly speaks up for her students and inspires her fellow teachers to think creatively, go the extra mile, and persevere. On nights and weekends, she also runs the The Gifted Arts Program for the community and memorably joined her students on the runway as a fashion model.
Tutor
Road Map to SuccessNominated By
Community Members, Students’ Parents, Mentees, Friends, and Colleagues“Curtis has been instrumental in encouraging students to do their very best. Every opportunity he receives to make a difference he does.”
Educating is not just a job for Curtis Doe, but a part of who he is. He never misses an opportunity to make a difference in a student’s life — consistently volunteering to read to students or spending one‑on‑one time tutoring them in subjects like math.
A natural at finding teachable moments, Mr. Doe is known for making complicated math easily understandable to his class, while also infusing humor into his lessons to keep students engaged. He exhibits patience and always takes the time to ensure students grasp the information. His dedication has helped many students discover — and believe in — their current and future potential.
Teacher
Lumberton Senior High SchoolNominated By
A Supervisor and a Student“Mrs. Grimsley has the ability to connect with her students on a different level. She takes the time to get to know each one and validates their feelings of self‑worth and value.”
As a teacher and member of the NC Agricultural Teachers Association for over 10 years, Candace Grimsley has made an impact on countless students in her classroom and in their careers. Under her leadership, students have participated and placed in several Future Farmers of America (FFA) competitions, received the American FFA Degree, and made a Treasured Gems Sensory Garden on campus. Her FFA chapter was even recognized as the top overall chapter during the NC State FFA Convention through the National Chapter Award Program.
To help her students achieve these accomplishments, Ms. Grimsley dedicates significant time and money out of her own pocket. She stays after school to help students practice for interviews, provides coaching, and even personally drives the bus to FFA competitions. Her passion for teaching every day comes from her commitment to having a positive influence in every student’s life and creating a legacy her family, friends, and past and future students can be proud of.
“Ms. Le has been so incredibly influential in my life as an aspiring professional and young woman. She is an amazingly talented and selfless advisor.”
Five years ago, Michelle Le traded her corporate office for the classroom, and the move has afforded this passionate educator the opportunity to inspire students through DECA, a student organization that prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality, and management.
Ms. Le is recognized for her business acumen, unwavering support, and selfless commitment to students in the program. When hardships have arisen for her students, she has stood alongside them, helping them prepare until all hours of the night so they could be set up for success. She strives to make everyone around her better and is regarded as a manager, influencer, and friend to her students.
Teacher
Smithfield Elementary SchoolNominated By
A Colleague and a Student’s Parent“Not only is Darnell Murillo great with the kids, but she is great with the parents too. She’s very clear and respectful with her communication and is willing to do whatever it takes to see every student be successful.”
Darnell Murillo shares a special connection with her students. Not one to take herself too seriously, she dances, does pushups, and fitness videos alongside her class. An empathetic communicator whose style is described as calm, respectful, fun, and interesting, she goes out of her way to make each child feel heard and seen. She listens intently and makes strong eye contact, exhibiting positive behaviors that her students can emulate.
To keep students engaged, Ms. Murillo loves finding topics that resonate with her class and get them excited about learning. Her hope is that this will build a life‑long love of learning, which she herself exhibits. In addition to providing support and one‑on‑one attention to her students, Ms. Murillo’s fellow teachers greatly appreciate her assistance preparing materials and professional guidance.
Band Director
York Middle SchoolNominated By
A Colleague and a Community Member“Dylan is a phenomenal Band Director. He pours his heart and soul into his students and goes above and beyond every day to help his students grow and learn.”
Dylan Sims is regarded as a phenomenal Band Director who goes above and beyond for his students. He starts the day giving free music lessons to students that need extra help. After school, he can be found at the middle or high school giving more instruction to band members.
His bands receive constant praise by the community, his colleagues, and the South Carolina Band Directors Association. He has established a Tri‑M Music Honor Society at York Middle School and has set record numbers in region band and all‑state auditioners and attendees.
To give more students opportunities, he has been known to pull money out of his own pocket to purchase instruments, supplies, and pay for private teachers to work one on one with students. In the time that he’s been at York Middle, he’s developed a culture of success that is unmatched by any other organization at the school.
Curriculum Coach
Jacksonville Commons Middle SchoolNominated By
A Colleague“I have witnessed firsthand Ashley staying long into the night and weekends to make sure her students and teachers have what they need to be successful.”
For the past 17 years, Ashley Williams has dedicated her life to her students and fellow teachers. As the Curriculum Coach, Ms. Williams is known for creating an inviting and supportive environment for educators that sets them up for success.
During COVID‑19 and the ensuing teacher shortage, in addition to her everyday responsibilities, she stepped up to take on leadership roles in her building and cover a classroom that did not have a teacher. Her contagious energy and passion have earned her recognition as the Fox8 Teacher of the Week, a nomination for the FSI/ Carolina Panthers Teacher of the Week, and she was named Teacher of the Year in her first five years of teaching.
With an unwavering focus on students and doing what is right for them, Ms. Williams sets a daily example of what a great educator can be for those she mentors. In her pursuit to better serve Jacksonville Commons Middle, she is currently working towards a master’s in education for school administration.
Program Coordinator
HOPE Alternative Learning Program/Edgecombe County Public SchoolsNominated By
A Supervisor“Mr. Williams is an administrator with a counselor’s heart. He has worked tirelessly to improve the student experience at the HOPE Alternative Learning Program.”
Quarry Williams established the HOPE Alternative Learning Program as a model of behavioral health support for students who have been long‑term suspended or expelled from their home base schools. He brings 20+ years of experience in teaching, administrative, and counselor roles to his work in improving the experience and educational outcomes for students, many of whom have experienced traumas.
HOPE creates a culture where students are empowered and inspired to maximize their potential and build on their strengths, providing skills and resources to positively impact their academic, social, and emotional wellbeing. In just one year, the program was shown to reduce suspension days by 28% and decrease disciplinary actions by 38%.
Mr. Williams has helped secure funding and support for HOPE and is sharing the model with other organizations so more students can benefit from the innovative program.